Hiking Backpack Review

Introduction to Hiking Backpacks

This report covers camping and hiking backpacks for weekend and extended trips - including packs designed specifically as women's backpacks. (We plan to cover daypacks, hydration packs and school backpacks in separate reports.) Reviews say that hiking backpacks continue to improve, getting lighter and more comfortable, yet also more durable. The trend for all camping and backpacking gear is toward lighter weight and compact size. This makes it possible to choose one versatile backpack sized for both weekend and multi-day hikes, instead of buying two or three.

We found the best review of hiking backpacks at Backpacker Magazine, where dozens of backpacks are evaluated based on rugged field tests by experienced hikers. Editors also pick the best backpacks for specific uses. Outside Magazine also puts backpacks through field tests, but reviews fewer packs and doesn't rank them except for giving one or two its Gear of the Year award. The best ultralight backpack reviews are found at BackpackingLight.com, which publishes detailed reviews based on thorough tests. We found the best owner-written reviews of backpacks at REI.com, where ratings and reviews are especially well organized and easy to read.

Reviews make clear that there are many good backpacks available, making it harder to pick the very best models. Some brands stand out, however - especially Gregory, Osprey and Arc'Teryx. An older survey of through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail by Roland Mueser found that hikers were most satisfied with Gregory backpacks, and it continues to be one of the brands most recommended in backpack reviews. For the lightest backpacks, reviews tend to pick GoLite, Gossamer Gear and Granite Gear brands with some consistency.

Reviews rarely cover the older style of hiking backpack that suspends the bag on an external aluminum frame. Newer internal-frame backpacks are more comfortable and less apt to throw you off balance. Some ultralight backpacks even use your folded sleeping pad as the internal frame to save weight.